Former National Security Adviser Fred Matiang’i has issued a stark warning that Kenya is heading for a crisis, accusing the government of making excuses rather than addressing the country’s deepening challenges.
Matiang’i, who served as an adviser to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, made the comments during a public address where he criticised the government’s handling of the economy, unemployment, and security issues.
Matiang’i accused the government of prioritising political survival over governance, saying the country’s economic challenges were being exacerbated by poor policy decisions and a lack of accountability.
He specifically targeted the government’s handling of fuel prices, which had sparked the nationwide transport strike earlier this week, saying the crisis had been preventable if proper economic measures had been put in place.
“The government is making excuses because they have no real solutions,” Matiang’i said. “Kenya is heading for a crisis, and the people are paying the price.”
The former adviser also raised concerns about rising unemployment, particularly among young people, and warned that the situation could lead to increased social unrest if not addressed urgently.
He pointed to the recent transport strike, which resulted in at least four deaths and more than 700 arrests, as evidence of the government’s inability to manage the country’s problems.
“When the government fails to address the root causes of discontent, the people take to the streets,” he said. “This is not a new phenomenon in Kenya.”
Matiang’i’s intervention comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya, with the transport strike exposing deep grievances over the cost of living and fuel prices.
His comments add to the growing chorus of criticism from former government officials and opposition figures, who are increasingly vocal about the challenges facing the country.
With the suspension of the transport strike offering only a temporary reprieve, the coming weeks will test whether the government can address the underlying issues that have sparked widespread discontent across the country.
